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HHE Search Results
1058 HHE reports were found based on your search terms. Reports are listed in order of year published with the most recently published reports listed first.
Year Published and Title
(1980) Airco Welding Products, Chester, West Virginia. (Click to open report) An environmental and medical survey was conducted on November 6, 1979 at the Airco Welding Products (SIC-3480) in Chester, West Virginia. An authorized representative of the employees requested the evaluation to investigate worker exposure to air contaminants while manufacturing welding wire. Environmental samples were taken during normal operating conditions for methylene-chloride (75092), carbon-monoxide (630080), iron-oxide (1309371), copper (7440508), nickel (7440020), chromium (7440473), ma... (Click to show more)An environmental and medical survey was conducted on November 6, 1979 at the Airco Welding Products (SIC-3480) in Chester, West Virginia. An authorized representative of the employees requested the evaluation to investigate worker exposure to air contaminants while manufacturing welding wire. Environmental samples were taken during normal operating conditions for methylene-chloride (75092), carbon-monoxide (630080), iron-oxide (1309371), copper (7440508), nickel (7440020), chromium (7440473), manganese (7439965), zirconium (7440677), molybdenum (7439987), silica (7631869), fluorides, hydrochloric-acid (7647010), and sulfuric-acid (7664939). Methylene- chloride concentrations ranged from 33 to 630 parts per million (ppm), with two samples exceeding the OSHA standard of 500ppm. Iron- oxide contractions were 7.4, 6.7, and 1.4 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3) which were below the OSHA standard of 10mg/m3. Airborne measurements for manganese, fluorides, copper, hydrochloric-acid and sulfuric-acid were all below applicable standards. Personal breathing zone samples taken for free crystalline silica, chromium, nickel, molybdenum, and zirconium were below the limits of detection. Interviews with 11 day shift employees revealed complaints associated with methylene-chloride exposure. The authors conclude that a health hazard exists from exposures to methylene- chloride, carbon-monoxide, and iron-oxide. They recommend implementation of improved work practices, engineering controls, and the use of personal protective equipment.
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(1980) Alaska Husky Battery Inc., Anchorage, Alaska. (Click for full summary) Environmental and medical surveys were conducted on January 7 and 10, 1980, to evaluate lead (7439921) exposure among employees engaged in the manufacture of lead acid storage batteries at Alaska Husky Battery, Incorporated (SIC-3691) in Anchorage, Alaska. The evaluation was requested by the owner on behalf of the seven affected workers. Blood lead concentrations ranged from 41 to 75 micrograms per deciliter measured at the NIOSH laboratory, and from 39 to 69 micrograms per deciliter measured at... (Click to show more)Environmental and medical surveys were conducted on January 7 and 10, 1980, to evaluate lead (7439921) exposure among employees engaged in the manufacture of lead acid storage batteries at Alaska Husky Battery, Incorporated (SIC-3691) in Anchorage, Alaska. The evaluation was requested by the owner on behalf of the seven affected workers. Blood lead concentrations ranged from 41 to 75 micrograms per deciliter measured at the NIOSH laboratory, and from 39 to 69 micrograms per deciliter measured at a NIOSH contract laboratory exceeding the recommended limit of 40 micrograms per deciliter. Free erythrocyte protoporphyrin concentrations from 2,000 to 11,100 micrograms per liter of red blood cells were well above the normal range of 220 to 870. The 8 hour time weighted average breathing zone air lead on concentrations ranged from 41 to 1,700 (1,700) micrograms per cubic meter. Six of the eight samples exceeded the OSHA standard of 50 micrograms per cubic meter. The four greatest concentrations occurred during the casting operation. The author concludes that employees are exposed to hazardous concentrations of lead dust and fume. He recommends that engineering controls and better work practices be implemented, that appropriate respirators be used, that each work area be vacuumed or washed on a regular basis, that no food, drinks, or cigarettes be consumed in the work area, that a changing room be provided, that protective gloves be used by workers handling the paste, and that blood lead concentrations be monitored monthly.
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Contact us to obtain a copy of report HHE-80-41-730.
(1980) Alaskan Battery Enterprises, Fairbanks, Alaska. (Click to open report) Worker exposure to lead (7439921) (Pb) at Alaskan Battery Enterprises (SIC-3691) in Fairbanks, Alaska were evaluated on January 8 to 10, 1980. An evaluation request came from the owner of the facility on behalf of the employees engaged in the manufacture of lead acid storage batteries. Personal and area air samples were collected, and workers were examined. Breathing zone air concentrations of Pb ranged from 111 to 1053 micrograms per cubic meter. All of the five 8 hour time weighted average atm... (Click to show more)Worker exposure to lead (7439921) (Pb) at Alaskan Battery Enterprises (SIC-3691) in Fairbanks, Alaska were evaluated on January 8 to 10, 1980. An evaluation request came from the owner of the facility on behalf of the employees engaged in the manufacture of lead acid storage batteries. Personal and area air samples were collected, and workers were examined. Breathing zone air concentrations of Pb ranged from 111 to 1053 micrograms per cubic meter. All of the five 8 hour time weighted average atmospheric Pb samples exceeded the OSHA standard of 50 micrograms per cubic meter. General area Pb concentrations ranged from 25 to 129 micrograms per cubic meter. Blood Pb concentrations of 8 employees ranged from 43 to 87 micrograms per deciliter; several were greater than the recommended limit of 50 micrograms per deciliter. Free erythrocyte protoporphyrin was markedly elevated in all cases. The author concludes that a health hazard existed from exposure to Pb dust and fume. They recommend the implementation of engineering controls, respirator usage, personal hygiene and medical monitoring.
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(1980) American Can Company, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) Environmental samples were analyzed for nuisance dust and isopropyl- alcohol (67630) and aldehyde vapors; infrared radiation was measured; and medical interviews were conducted with affected workers at the American Can Company (SIC-2654) in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, from March 11 to 13, 1980. The evaluation was requested by the Chambersburg Printing Specialists and Paper Products Union on behalf of an unspecified number of employers. Thirteen of the 20 employees interviewed complained of eye p... (Click to show more)Environmental samples were analyzed for nuisance dust and isopropyl- alcohol (67630) and aldehyde vapors; infrared radiation was measured; and medical interviews were conducted with affected workers at the American Can Company (SIC-2654) in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, from March 11 to 13, 1980. The evaluation was requested by the Chambersburg Printing Specialists and Paper Products Union on behalf of an unspecified number of employers. Thirteen of the 20 employees interviewed complained of eye problems and 6 complained about dust. Concentrations of dust ranged from 0.22 to 0.84 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/CuM), which was less than the OSHA evaluation criteria of 15mg/CuM. Concentrations of isopropyl- alcohol ranged from 193 to 422mg/CuM, which was below the OSHA standard of 980mg/CuM. Maximum irradiance on one press was 3 times greater than values recorded at 4.8 meters on the floor. The total irradiance on the catwalk of another press was 5.9 milliwatts per square centimeter (mW/cm2) and the maximum luminance was 10,000 femtolumens. Infrared irradiance levels were below 10mW/cm2, which is the proposed American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists guideline for cataract induction. Concentrations of aldehydes did not exceed the evaluation criteria of 1.2mg/CuM of air sampled proposed by NIOSH. The authors conclude that no hazard exists as a result of exposure to nuisance dust, isopropyl-alcohol and aldehydes, but there is a real potential for the infrared dryers to cause dry lips and eyes. They recommend that infrared dryers be provided with additional shielding, and that exposed workers be provided with protection and be given eye examinations.
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(1980) Baumer Radiator Works, Denver, Colorado. (Click to open report) Environmental samples to measure airborne particulates and lead (7439921), and blood samples to assess lead and free erythrocyte protoporphyrin (FEP) content were taken at the Baumer Radiator Works (SIC-7539) in Denver, Colorado, on August 7, 1979. An evaluation request came from the owner and manager of the facility to determine the hazards from lead fumes and nuisance dust for an unspecified number of employees. One worker and the manager were exposed to airborne lead concentrations of 100 and... (Click to show more)Environmental samples to measure airborne particulates and lead (7439921), and blood samples to assess lead and free erythrocyte protoporphyrin (FEP) content were taken at the Baumer Radiator Works (SIC-7539) in Denver, Colorado, on August 7, 1979. An evaluation request came from the owner and manager of the facility to determine the hazards from lead fumes and nuisance dust for an unspecified number of employees. One worker and the manager were exposed to airborne lead concentrations of 100 and 50 micrograms per cubic meter, respectively. The OSHA standard for lead is 50 micrograms per cubic meter. Blood lead concentrations ranged from 29 to 65 micrograms per 100 milliliters (ml), and FEP concentrations ranged from 926 to 2,212 micrograms per liter of red blood cells. The normal range for blood lead is below 40 micrograms per 100 ml, and for FEP it is 220 to 870 micrograms per liter of red blood cells. Airborne particulate concentrations were below the OSHA standard of 15 milligrams per cubic meter. The author concludes that a health hazard due to lead exposure existed at this facility, and had existed for the past several months. Recommendations resulting from the evaluation include improvements to housekeeping and personal hygiene practices, and use of local exhaust ventilation during the soldering process.
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(1980) Bertoia Studio, Bally, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) Environmental sampling and medical interviews were conducted on May 10, June 20, and August 1, 1979, at Bertoia Studio (SIC-1799) in Bally, Pennsylvania, to determine employee exposures to beryllium (7440417) dust, cadmium (7440439) fumes, and soluble fluorides. The evaluation request came from the management on behalf of an unspecified number of employees. Samples for the three test compounds were below the limits of detection, and below the current OSHA 8 hour time weighted average standards o... (Click to show more)Environmental sampling and medical interviews were conducted on May 10, June 20, and August 1, 1979, at Bertoia Studio (SIC-1799) in Bally, Pennsylvania, to determine employee exposures to beryllium (7440417) dust, cadmium (7440439) fumes, and soluble fluorides. The evaluation request came from the management on behalf of an unspecified number of employees. Samples for the three test compounds were below the limits of detection, and below the current OSHA 8 hour time weighted average standards of 2 micrograms per cubic meter (/m3) for beryllium dust, 0.1 milligrams (mg)/m3 for cadmium fumes, and 2.5mg/m3 for fluorides. The authors conclude that no hazardous exposures were identified. The use of safety glasses and disposable protective clothing was recommended, along with improved personal hygiene habits.
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(1980) Brookhaven IRS Service Center, Holtzville, New York. (Click for full summary) Worker exposures to various chemicals were surveyed on February 27 and June 18 to 20, 1980 at the Brookhaven Internal Revenue Service Center (SIC-9311) in Holtzville, New York. The evaluation was requested by a representative of the General Services Administration to determine the cause of worker health complaints. Workers were interviewed and air samples were collected and analyzed for nitrous- oxides, sulfur-dioxide (7446095), formaldehyde (50000), carbon- monoxide (630080), dust, and total or... (Click to show more)Worker exposures to various chemicals were surveyed on February 27 and June 18 to 20, 1980 at the Brookhaven Internal Revenue Service Center (SIC-9311) in Holtzville, New York. The evaluation was requested by a representative of the General Services Administration to determine the cause of worker health complaints. Workers were interviewed and air samples were collected and analyzed for nitrous- oxides, sulfur-dioxide (7446095), formaldehyde (50000), carbon- monoxide (630080), dust, and total organics. Workers reported symptoms of burning eyes, sore throat, sinus irritation, nausea, dizziness, metallic taste, and headaches, and complained of uncomfortable workroom temperatures, poor ventilation, and lack of fresh air. Exposures to nitrous-oxide (10024972), nitrogen-dioxide (10102440), sulfur-dioxide, carbon-monoxide, formaldehyde, mineral spirits total nuisance dust, and respirable nuisance dust were below respective OSHA standards of 25 parts per million (ppm), 5ppm, 50ppm, 50ppm, 3ppm, 500ppm, 15 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3), and 5mg/m3. Stack emissions were suggested as the source of the workers' complaints. The authors recommend increasing the stack height and installing gas trapping devices in roof drains to prevent vapor backflow.
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(1980) Celestial Seasonings, Boulder, Colorado. (Click to open report) Respiratory hazards associated with exposure to airborne herbal dusts were investigated on November 6 to 19, 1978 at Celestial Seasonings (SIC-2035) in Boulder, Colorado. The evaluation was requested by an authorized company representative on behalf of the 227 employees. Of 206 who participated in the medical evaluation, 173 completed respiratory questionnaires and preshift and postshift spirometric testing, and 129 had posteroanterior chest X-rays. Personal and general area air samples were ana... (Click to show more)Respiratory hazards associated with exposure to airborne herbal dusts were investigated on November 6 to 19, 1978 at Celestial Seasonings (SIC-2035) in Boulder, Colorado. The evaluation was requested by an authorized company representative on behalf of the 227 employees. Of 206 who participated in the medical evaluation, 173 completed respiratory questionnaires and preshift and postshift spirometric testing, and 129 had posteroanterior chest X-rays. Personal and general area air samples were analyzed for total and respirable dust. Dust exposure was correlated with the incidence of chronic cough and bronchitis. Dust exposure was greatest among millers and mixers in Warehouse 3. Small decrements in pulmonary function were found for some dust exposed workers during the work shift, especially among workers who reported the sensation of chest tightness. The authors recommend evaluating tea making and packaging processes to control dust exposures, periodic environmental monitoring, preplacement screening of new workers for asthma and allergies, preplacement and periodic respiratory function testing, and instituting a respiratory protection program for workers in Warehouse 3.
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(1980) CF&I Steel Corporation, Pueblo, Colorado. (Click to open report) Occupational exposures to carbon-monoxide (630080), quartz (14808607), cristobalite (14464461), total respirable particulates, lead (7439921), iron (7439896), benzo(a)pyrene (50328) (BaP), and coal-tar-pitch (65996932) volatiles were determined at the CF and I Steel Corporation (SIC-3310) in Pueblo, Colorado, on February 13 and April 9 and 10, 1980. The evaluation was requested by the United Steelworkers of America, Local Union 2102. None of the breathing zone air samples for crystalline silica ... (Click to show more)Occupational exposures to carbon-monoxide (630080), quartz (14808607), cristobalite (14464461), total respirable particulates, lead (7439921), iron (7439896), benzo(a)pyrene (50328) (BaP), and coal-tar-pitch (65996932) volatiles were determined at the CF and I Steel Corporation (SIC-3310) in Pueblo, Colorado, on February 13 and April 9 and 10, 1980. The evaluation was requested by the United Steelworkers of America, Local Union 2102. None of the breathing zone air samples for crystalline silica exceeded the NIOSH recommended standard of 0.05 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/CuM). Seventeen percent of the breathing zone air samples for total particulates exceeded the 1979 American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists Threshold Limit value of 5.0mg/CuM. None of the lead and iron breathing zone air samples exceeded the OSHA standards of 0.05mg/CuM and 5.0mg/CuM, respectively. Low concentrations of BaP and coal-tar-pitch volatiles were noted. Preshift and post shift carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) indicated an increase in COHb as employees worked around the furnaces. Complaints of fatigue, headaches, dizziness and sensations of flushing and heat were reported by several workers. The authors conclude that a health hazard from carbon-monoxide and total particulate exposure exists at this facility. They recommend that workers be informed of the additive effects of cigarette smoke and carbon-monoxide, that an alarm system in all blast furnaces be installed, that improvements be implemented in the ventilation system at one furnace, and that eating, drinking and tobacco use in work areas be prohibited.
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(1980) CF&I Steel Corporation, Pueblo, Colorado. (Click to open report) Employee exposures to lead (7439921), solvents, and crystalline- silica (7631869) in the galvanizing department, fence post shop, and the casting foundry at CF and I Steel Corporation, Pueblo, Colorado, were evaluated on January 25 and 26, 1979. The evaluation request came from United Steelworkers of America Local No. 2102 (SIC-3312). Breathing zone air samples were analyzed for quartz (14808607) and cristobalite (14464461) crystalline-silicas, total respirable dust, lead, zinc (7440666), iron (... (Click to show more)Employee exposures to lead (7439921), solvents, and crystalline- silica (7631869) in the galvanizing department, fence post shop, and the casting foundry at CF and I Steel Corporation, Pueblo, Colorado, were evaluated on January 25 and 26, 1979. The evaluation request came from United Steelworkers of America Local No. 2102 (SIC-3312). Breathing zone air samples were analyzed for quartz (14808607) and cristobalite (14464461) crystalline-silicas, total respirable dust, lead, zinc (7440666), iron (7439896), chromium (7440473), total hydrocarbons, and m-xylene (108383). Medical tests included blood lead levels, free erythrocyte-protoporphyrin (FEP), zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP), hemoglobin, and a chemistry profile. Casting foundry workers received chest radiographs for the evaluation of pneumoconiosis. Thirty nine percent of the breathing zone air samples for crystalline silica exceeded the NIOSH recommended standard of 0.05 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3). Twenty six percent of breathing zone air samples for total respirable dust exceeded the 1979 Threshold Limit Value of 5mg/m3. Twenty seven percent of the lead samples taken in the galvanizing department exceeded the OSHA standard of 0.05mg/m3. Blood lead levels greater than 40 micrograms per 100 milliliters (micrograms/100 ml), were found in 14 workers; 4 workers had blood lead levels greater than 60 micrograms/100ml. FEP's greater than 870, were noted in 10 workers. The mean blood lead levels of workers in the galvanizing department was twice that observed in the casting foundry workers. Nineteen percent of the casting foundry workers had radiographic abnormalities, including simple pneumoconiosis, pleural changes, cardiac enlargement, and granuloma. NIOSH concluded that a health hazard existed from overexposure to lead and crystalline-silica. Recommendations from the survey included the introduction of improved ventilation, work practices and medical surveillance procedures.
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